What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Studies on sleep apnoea, also known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), have shown that up to 4.7% (775,000) of the Australian population suffers from the condition.
This figure accounts only for diagnosed cases, meaning that there are potentially more people who suffer from the condition.
Sleep apnoea is possibly life threatening, and could cause a sufferer to stop breathing while they sleep. If left untreated, the condition could pose serious risks to a person’s safety, especially with driving-related accidents.
OSA’s systemic effects include:
- Stroke
- Heart disease/attack
- Arrhythmia
- Congestive heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Depression
- Poor quality of life
Because of the number of potential effects OSA can lead to, it is highly recommended that OSA be identified early, so its progression can be stopped.